Event Details

This year’s festival once again will bring San Francisco’s historic Fillmore Music District to life with colorful events that include a masquerade ball, street artists and performers. The celebration also will commence with a free kick-off blues concert from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Fillmore Plaza, 1475 Fillmore. It will feature the legendary Bobbie “Spider” Webb & the Smooth Blues Band and be followed by a festive New Orleans processional down the Fillmore Corridor, led by Henry Clement & the Gumbo Band, culminating at the Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball. Comedian Donald Lacy will emcee the event.

Guests will be able to enjoy food, drink and other specials at numerous Fillmore restaurants, clubs and businesses. A plethora of eclectic delectable eats will be available to satisfy every palate – whether it’s chicken and waffles at Gussie’s; American soul at the 1300; homemade cookies and ice cream at Bumzy’s Cookies and Miyako Ice Cream; Yoshi’s Japanese; or Ethiopian cuisine from Rasselas and Sheba Lounge

“We are excited about this year’s celebration as we are expecting visitors from the Fillmore District and beyond,” Adrian Williams, executive director of The Village Project, said. “Not only does our annual Mardi Gras include what people look for in the traditional New Orleans celebrations, it continues to embrace the history of this neighborhood – where music has been intertwined into the fabric of everyday life for more than 100 years.

Following the outdoor festivities, the Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball will take place at the West Bay Conference Center, 1290 Fillmore. The crown jewel of San Francisco’s Fat Tuesday celebration will feature Clement and his band and Comedian Lacy, as guests enjoy an evening of New Orleans style food, dancing to Zydeco and Rhythm and Blues, a costume contest, raffles and plenty of partying.

Advance purchase tickets for the Masquerade Ball are $35 per person or $60 for couples. At the door, tickets are $45 per individual and $70 for couples. Ticket price include admission to the ball, dinner and a beverage.

The purchase of a $10 wristband will allow those not attending the ball to enjoy specials offered by numerous Fillmore restaurants and clubs along the Fillmore Corridor. Tickets and wristbands can be purchased @ The Village Project, 2097 Turk St. and at www.thevillageprojectsf.org

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About the Village Project

Adrian Williams is the founder of The Village Project, a youth service organization focusing on education and cultural enrichment for youth and their families in the Western Addition. The Village Project also produces Grilling in the ’MO, A Senior Moment and Seven Days of Kwanzaa Celebration, which last year was held in 14 different venues.

When & Where

1290 Fillmore St
San Francisco,
94115

Tuesday, February 12, 2013 from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM (PST)

Organizer

The Village Project

Adrian Williams is the founder of The Village Project, a youth service organization focusing on education and cultural enrichment for youth and their families in the Western Addition. The Village Project also produces Grilling in the ‘MO; A Senior Moment & 7 days of Kwanzaa at 13 different ventures this year.

The Village Project began in June 2006 as an after school academic program, with an all volunteer run. The DCYF sponsored a free summer lunch program. After identifying further needs of the community, the program has evolved to include an after school academic program. The project provides public and co-operative housing residents with positive activities and events for the "Village Kids" and their families. Organizing has focused on community safety issues with family oriented activities.

Adrian Williams, the Project's Founder and Director has received awards including:

An "Unsung Hero" award from theSan Francisco Public Library.Proclamations from Mayor Gavin NewsomThat October 5th, 2006 was "Adrian Williams Day" in San FranciscoThat December 26th will be declared the first day of KwanzaaThat March 9th, 2008 be declaredMardi Gras San Francisco Style